Bret Michaels Leaves the Hospital

Rocker and reality TV star Bret Michaels has been released from the hospital in stable condition, his neurologist said today.

Joseph Zabramski, MD, told reporters that he expected Michaels, 47, to be one of a select few to make a complete recovery from a subarachnoid hemorrhage, the type of stroke that landed him in the hospital April 22. "It's a problem that will resolve spontaneously. It just requires time," he said. Zabramski spoke at Barrow Neurological Institute of St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, where Michaels was treated.

Zabramski said Michaels is talking well, has normal mental capacity, and is walking,though he needs help with balance at times. He said Michaels will be tested and monitored regularly, and his condition will be reassessed every two weeks.

Tests including three angiograms showed that Michaels's brain hemorrhage was not the result of an aneurysm, which causes 80 percent of this type of hemorrhage, Zabramski said. He added that Michaels's type 1 diabetes, which he's had since age 6, was not the cause of the bleeding.

"This is one of those few instances in which we're pleased that we can't find the cause of the illness," the neurologist said.

Zabramski said he had recommended that Michaels not resume concerts yet. Michaels, front man for the glam band Poison, had been touring to promote a solo album, Custom Built, which is due out in June. The doctor wouldn't speculate on when Michaels might be ready to tour again. "He's a very determined person, and it depends on how quickly he recovers," Zabramski said. The neurologist added that Michaels "doesn't have any of the effects you would normally see because of diabetes, and I think that's because he takes very good care of himself."

Zabramski said Michaels did not have any seizures as a result of hyponatremia, a sodium deficiency that is a complication of the hemorrhage.

Michaels is starring on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice, a reality show that will have its live season finaleon May 23. As of now, Michaels is still in the competition. On Sunday night's episode (the season was taped in advance), he won his team's challenge and raised $40,000 for his charity, the American Diabetes Association. There has been no word on whether Michaels would be able to attend the live finale if he makes it that far in the competition.